Punish him if guilty: Father of suspected ISIS operative arrested from UP

“If my son has made a mistake and is guilty, he should be punished.”

Those were the first words from Nizamuddin after his son Rizwan, previously linked to ISIS, was arrested in Kushinagar in a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad and the Delhi Police Special Cell.

The arrest, carried out late on Saturday, has brought renewed focus on Rizwan’s past and the allegations that he continued to remain active even after his release from jail.

Nizamuddin, a retired government employee, made it clear that he stood by the law and not by wrongdoing.

“We are residents of this country and we love our country. If my son has made a mistake and is guilty, he should be punished,” he said, distancing himself from the allegations against his son.

His remarks came hours after Rizwan was taken into custody and moved out of the state on transit remand by Delhi Police.

ARREST AND ALLEGATIONS

Rizwan was picked up from Kushinagar following inputs about his activities. According to Delhi Police, he was wanted in a case, which includes charges under Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.

Officials said he had been making international calls, raising suspicion about possible links beyond India.

PAST UNDER SCANNER

Rizwan is not new to the radar of investigating agencies. He was earlier arrested by the Maharashtra ATS in 2016 over alleged ISIS links.

He later spent time in a Delhi jail from 2017 to 2023 in connection with a blast case before being released.

Investigators now suspect that his activities may have continued even after his release.

LIFE AFTER JAIL

After coming out of prison, Rizwan had shifted his base and started running a fast food shop, which investigators believe helped him maintain a low profile.

However, agencies suspect that behind this routine life, he may have been involved in efforts to influence and recruit youth.

PROBE WIDENS

Delhi Police has taken Rizwan to the national capital for further questioning. Agencies are now looking into his network, funding trail and any possible links to other operatives.

The arrest has once again drawn attention to how suspected operatives attempt to blend into everyday life while remaining in contact with wider networks.

- Ends